Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female genital cutting, is a form of gender-based violence that continues to be practiced across the world. The harmful – even fatal – practice includes procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. According to the World Health Organization, more than 200 million girls and women living today have undergone FGM.

The practice of FGM is internationally recognized as a violation of human rights for girls and women. With greater education and advocacy, the movement to #endFGM is growing! More men and cultural leaders are standing up and showing girls and women that they are not alone in this fight!

Attitudes are changing in Kenya

In Kenya, Plan International is working alongside the Ameru community leaders to accomplish a bold goal: eradicate the practice of FGM within a generation. The initiative is being supported by the Niuri-Nceheke elders, who are the traditional leaders responsible for executing community laws, settling disputes and passing on community knowledge from generation to generation. Members of the Njuri-Ncheke are of the highest social ranking and have great influence across the entire Ameru community.

“If we want to end this practice, we need community leaders to explain why it no longer has a place in the community. If the elders support an end to FGM, the community will listen.”

“FGM is a cultural practice in some parts of Kenya that is steeped in tradition,” explains Carol Sherman, Country Director of Plan International Kenya. Having the support from cultural leaders is crucial to breaking cultural stereotypes as many of the groups that practice FGM are in remote areas that solely recognize traditional leadership. Because of their influential status, they are able to change the way people think about FGM and teach others about how it negatively affects the girls and women of their communities.

The Njuri-Ncheke leadership has brought over 40 cases of FGM to the courts and is working with the Anti-FGM Board of Kenya to engage influential members of the community in the fight against FGM. They are passionate about the cause and know that ending this practice has the power to change the lives of girls for generations to come!

See why the Njuri-Ncheke elders (Mzee) want to bring an end to FGM, once and for all!

Mzee Kamunde

“I am an agent of change against FGM because it is violence against women and girls.”

Mzee Mwathi

“I work with Plan International in ending FGM because I want the future generations to learn in an FGM free environment.”

Mzee Irumbi

“FGM is no longer relevant for any woman or girl. Education is all our girls need in this life.”

Mzee Mati

“I am fighting against FGM because I have experienced the benefits of educating girls and I want to pass on this message to those who still practice FGM.”

Mzee Rimunya

“I work with Plan International on this project because I want FGM to come to an end to enable all girls to go through education.”

Mzee Mutegi

“I am a strong child protection agent and I campaign against FGM because it is a violation of girls’ rights.”

Mzee Matende

“I fight FGM because it affects a girl’s education.”

Mzee Mwamba

“I fight FGM because it robs women of their dignity and self-esteem.”

Photos by Plan International / Armstrong Too

Ending FGM

Ending practices that are deeply rooted in gender inequality means engaging everyone – boy, girls, men and women. The Njuri-Necheke elders are an inspiring example of what is possible when community members stand up and motivate others by leading change. You too can empower girls and lead change! As voiced by the elders, let’s break down the barriers so girls can access their rights – enabling them to create a brighter future for themselves, their family and their entire community!

About Plan International

Founded in 1937, we are one of the world’s oldest and largest international development agencies, working in partnership with millions of people around the world to end global poverty. Not for profit, independent and inclusive of all faiths and cultures, we have only one agenda: to improve the lives of children.